STORY: Exports helped China's economy end the year better than expected.
Data out Friday (January 17) showed the world's second-largest economy grew 5% over the year, meeting the government's target, and just ahead of forecasts.
In the fourth quarter alone it grew even faster, easily beating expectations.
But Donald Trump is casting a shadow, before he even takes office.
Experts say some of the export gains may have been driven by overseas customers stocking up before he imposes new tariffs.
With goods already secured, that could mean a corresponding drop in demand over coming months.
Beijing policymakers will keeping a close eye on the new U.S. administration too.
They've promised to do more stimulus measures to help the economy this year - but the size and scope of any moves may depend on exactly what Trump does on tariffs.
During his election campaign he threatened to impose levies in excess of 60% on Chinese goods.
For now, Friday's data do suggest that existing stimulus measures are having some effect - even on the beleaguered property market.
Though real estate investment fell again last year, December saw new home prices steady for the first time since mid-2023.
Retail sales also rose last month, as consumers got ready for January's Lunar New Year holidays.
Even so, economists say sustained stimulus will be needed, as China battles headwinds including local government debt and weak consumer demand, as well as the property slump.
Demographics don't help either.
New figures Friday showed the country's population falling for a third year, down by well over a million.
That means fewer workers to support the swelling number of older folk, and an even greater strain on already indebted local authorities.